On Tuesday, February 13th, flight attendants across the United States took to over 30 major airports to hold picket protests, marking a significant day of action in their push for new contracts and higher wages. This nationwide movement, part of the Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action, saw participation from some 100,000 flight attendants across three different labor unions, highlighting the widespread demand for better compensation and working conditions within the industry.
The protests come amid ongoing negotiations for new union contracts for over two-thirds of flight attendants in the U.S., including those at United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air Wisconsin, American Airlines, Omni, and Frontier. The flight attendants’ unions have emphasized the need to address legacy sexism that has traditionally devalued their jobs, advocating for fair compensation, retirement security, and more control over their work schedules.
In a striking display of unity and resolve, over 26,000 flight attendants at American Airlines, represented by the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), voted to authorize a strike in August 2023, with a staggering 99.47% in favor. Similar sentiments were echoed at Air Wisconsin and Southwest Airlines, where flight attendants voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike authorizations.
The flight attendants’ grievances stem from a feeling of being undervalued, especially when compared to their pilot counterparts, who received significant pay raises last year. Many flight attendants argue that their wages have remained stagnant for years, making it unsustainable to live on such earnings. The pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges, with flight attendants facing increased exposure to the virus, unruly passengers, and, more recently, safety issues with Boeing planes.
As negotiations continue, flight attendants at Alaska Airlines are set to announce their strike authorization vote results, further underscoring the critical juncture at which the airline industry finds itself. The flight attendants’ actions signal a collective effort to secure better terms and recognition for their indispensable role in ensuring passenger safety and comfort.
This historic day of action reflects a growing movement within all industries, including the airline industry, as flight attendants stand in solidarity to demand improvements that reflect the true value of their work. As negotiations unfold, the industry watches closely, with the potential for significant changes on the horizon.
